Study Abroad in London with CIEE

A Hop Across The Pond

By Abby Ringiewicz

Studying in London is liberating for any student.

An Extended Excursion in England and Europe

After a 9-hour flight, losing five hours between time zones, and juggling two small suitcases through the underground Tube stations, I was greeted with two words: “You alright?” The whimsical accent carried an air of composure, and I nodded in response to the vague question. The stories are true: the British accent pulls you in. Every sentence seems to end on a quizzical note, as statements and questions blend; according to my British friends, I was “Abbay?”

I was to spend four months in Southeast London at Goldsmiths College, a division of the University of London. I chose my transferable English courses (English taught by the English!) and secured a dorm room at Goldsmiths. I was going to London!

I found CIEE, a third-party international exchange program, through many Google searches and conversations with my International Advisor. The CIEE staff made the process manageable: they assisted me through each step of the application process, introduced me to my fellow London-goers via email, and provided me with arrival information and accommodations. Upon arrival, I was greeted by one of CIEE’s London-based staff members.

After an introductory night in London (wining, dining, tours, and hotel stays are great features of a third-party exchange program), my CIEE-Goldsmiths peers and I were escorted to the University (“Uni,” as the Brits call it).

My days and nights consisted of seemingly “normal” activities: “snoozing” my alarm, attending classes, studying, and staying involved in a fairly busy social life. Of course, these “normal” activities were slightly unfamiliar: they were accompanied by British accents and many pints of beer. Yet, in my experience, no matter where you travel, people are people — we all tend to enjoy the same things.

The weekend was my designated “travel time.” CIEE coordinated several local weekend outings and one weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland (again, third-party perks). When there was a free weekend between editing my papers and CIEE excursions, friends and I planned our weekend trips with the assistance of Expedia. Using our combined knowledge of European travel (nonexistent), my friends and I successfully toured Germany, France, Italy, and Ireland using maps, tourist dictionaries, many Google inquiries, and our curious, perhaps needy-appearing expressions. Trust me: if we could do it, anyone can.

Within my first month of living in London, I called my International Advisor: I wanted to extend my stay and live the entire academic year in Southeast London. I chose new courses through email and Skype chats and confirmed my stay at Goldsmiths. When else will I have the time, financial assistance, and sufficient reason to go abroad? Studying abroad was a great opportunity, and the option to extend my stay and continue with my international studies was the chance of a lifetime.

Cultural Immersion as a Student

Street scene in London. Photo by Abby Ringiewicz.

What valuable information would have been beneficial had I prior knowledge of it? I don’t think there is any way to fully prepare for a study abroad experience. Remember this: you are not a tourist but a student. My word of advice: get through the first few days. You will undoubtedly miss your friends, dog, and usual coffee at a favorite establishment back home. Yet, after those initial few days, you will be overwhelmed by the intensity of what you are currently experiencing. Study Abroad Advisors will warn you of this initial culture shock. Still, there is no understanding until you are surrounded by luggage in a foreign airport with signs and intercom announcements in unfamiliar voices and languages. Deep breaths. I promise you that those initial thoughts of panic will be the worst of your time abroad.

I should also mention the importance of budgeting. It is easy to get caught up in the glitz of a foreign country, and it is even easier to spend all of your hard-earned cash on drinks, destination t-shirts, and food. There are two things to keep in mind: you likely have no in-flow of income, and foreign currency is just like the U.S. dollar. While abroad, you must have some sweet set-up to have a weekly paycheck to fall back on. Getting caught up in the colorful bills and the various coins is also easy. Remember: your bank statement at home (real world) will reflect your spending in foreign currencies. Of course, these are special circumstances; try to avoid getting carried away with your spending so you will not regret it later.

What I Learned in London and How it Inspired my Future

Since returning from London, I have found use for my international experience. I am currently a student advisor in our International Programs Office. I help students choose their study abroad locations, complete the tedious paperwork, and answer any pre-departure questions. I work to make their experiences abroad as easy and enjoyable as mine.

As far as job hunting, studying abroad has given me the following:

a) a great topic of discussion in interviews and applications;
b) a great networking source, as I have kept in touch with many of my professors and other acquaintances in London;  
c) outside knowledge and inspiration.

As an aspiring journalist, the fact that I have seen the world gives hiring magazine editors the impression that I am independent and cultured. Having a sense of the world outside your college campus will give you a leg up in the job market.

Yes, reentering the natural world was tough, but I have since realized that I am different from the person who left Logan Airport last year. I matured as a person, not only because it was time but because I had to. After studying abroad, I can read maps, bargain with anyone,  say “thank you” in multiple languages, and even fashion a raincoat from a shower curtain. But, more importantly, I can rely on myself when necessary. And that is a pretty significant accomplishment, in my opinion.

Abby Ringiewicz is from Massachusetts and currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island. She is an English student focusing on journalism, hoping to complete a master's program in travel journalism. Abby spent her junior year abroad in London and will return to the British Isles in May for three months. She has a passion for traveling, cultural immersion, and writing.